Bolts Sign Veteran Defenseman Sami Salo

TSN is reporting that veteran Vancouver Canucks defenseman Sami Salo has signed a two-year, $7.5M contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. While the Lightning have yet to issue an official press release, Tampa Tribune beat writer Erik Erlendsson tweeted that GM Steve Yzerman confirmed the signing via text message.

The 38-year-old blueliner has size and one of the hardest point shots in the NHL, but chronic injuries have diminished Salo's effectiveness in recent years. For the Bolts, who sported one of the leagues worst power plays last season, Salo could be an important acquisition for the team despite his injury history and limited contribution five-on-five.

Salo has scored 93 goals and added 212 assists spanning 761 career games in the NHL mostly with the Vancouver Canucks organization.

UPDATE: The Lightning made the signing official with an announcement Sunday night.